Former "Bachelor in Paradise" Star Jade Roper Tolbert Thanks Fans for Support After Being Criticized for Breastfeeding Photo

Reality star Jade Roper Tolbert welcomed her first child with Bachelor in Paradise co-star-turned-husband Tanner Tolbert five months ago, and ever since, has been proudly sharing photos of her new #momlife experience on social media. Of course, whether you’re famous or not, sharing glimpses into your life as a parent opens you up to tongue-wagging, and that’s exactly what the new mom faced when she shared a photo of herself with baby Emerson Avery on February 8.

Commenters immediately slammed Roper Tolbert for the Instagram post, which was for a paid partnership with lingerie company Thirdlove. Critics accused her of showcasing an unrealistic standard of beauty for breastfeeding moms. Roper Tolbert took to Instagram Stories on Monday, February 12 to address the backlash.

“I had some comments about the picture I posted of me and Emerson after I was breastfeeding and people telling me they don’t look like that when they breastfeed and that I was setting up a standard that was impossible to live up to,” the 31-year-old noted. “The truth about that picture is I had a photo shoot the day before and I hadn’t taken my makeup off, so that’s literally the day before’s makeup. And it was slightly staged — we positioned Emerson just right to make the picture [work], but that was literally right after I had fed her and she had fallen asleep on me and we do have those moments where we snuggle so I don’t get what’s so unreal about it.”

She continued, “If you guys feel like I’m portraying some kind of falsehood of motherhood, this is my real life — this is me on a Monday morning. I’ve already used my shirt as a spit-up rag. I have clothes everywhere that have not been washed.”

Roper Tolbert’s statement was quickly met with support from many of her social media followers. On the original post, one wrote, “Just watched your Instastory, you are awesome for letting us in on your life, screw the haters, you do what works for you and that baby girl.” Another shared, “Love this photo! And, yes, for some of us, breastfeeding is that magical. I breastfed both of my girls for 19 months & 16 months. I had to wean my second at 16 months bc I had to start taking medication & I was devastated. Cried for days. Motherhood can be hard, but everyone has their own, unique struggles. Keep doing your thing, @jadelizroper! Love seeing these gorgeous photos of new mommyhood.”

“You guuuuys, thank you so much for all the support I’ve received about my Instagram stories earlier,” she wrote. It truly, truly means so much to me and I tried to read every kind and empowering message from each of you. I was very emotional earlier. And I think it’s because my nursing relationship with Emmy is one of my most favorite mommy experiences (even though it’s had its ups and downs, because it’s an ever changing experience).”

She went on to express gratitude to her fans, writing, “Thank you for letting me be myself and express how much I love being a mom and thank you for letting me express myself when I feel like I'm failing as a mom (or failing others) or I feel unsure of myself. All the moms out there that support each other, you're the best.”

Of course every mother’s experience with nursing, or simply bonding, with her L.O. is going to be — and look! — different. But that should never deter moms from standing up for and being there for one another. Props to Roper Tolbert for making that point and encouraging this important conversation.

Maressa Brown is an editor and writer with more than a decade of experience covering lifestyle, pop culture, and parenting. Her work has appeared in/on a variety of publications including Cosmopolitan.com, Parents.com, Romper, Redbookmag.com, ELLE.com, GoodHousekeeping.com, Bustle, Variety, Women's Health, and Better Homes & Gardens. She loves researching and covering women’s health, beauty/style, relationships, pop culture, and astrology. Follow her on Twitter @MaressaSylvie.